Tuffa UK is delighted to announce that we have recently been awarded the prestigious Environmental Management BS EN ISO 14001:2015 Certification.
ISO 14001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). It provides a framework that an organization can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements.
Part of the ISO 14000 family of standards on environmental management, ISO 14001 is a voluntary standard that organizations can certify to. Integrating it with other management systems standards, most commonly ISO 9001, can further assist in accomplishing organizational goals.
The International Organization of Standardization (ISO) defines an environmental management system as “part of the management system used to manage environmental aspects, fulfil compliance obligations, and address risks and opportunities.” The framework in the ISO 14001 standard can be used within a plan-do-check-act (PDCA) approach to continuous improvement.
Our ISO 14001:2015 Certification process was undertaken with Stoke based Management Support consultancy, ISA. They offer support to businesses to comply with nationally and internationally recognised management systems and standards. They advised Tuffa on the implementation of the systems and processes required to meet the BS EN ISO 14001: 2015 standards and subsequent UKAS accreditation.
UKAS, The UK’s National Accreditation Body is responsible for determining the competence and integrity of the organisations offering Certification Services.
Tuffa UK’s application process took around six months, with the Environmental Systems set up to provide more efficient work practices. We have looked at new recycling processes for scrap roto-moulded plastic, as well as new waste management and re-cycling systems. Updated First Aid and safety procedures have also been implemented, including new walkways and safe areas around the factory.
We will be audited annually to maintain those high management standards. Our Quality Policy Statement refers to the fact that Tuffa “are committed to a process of continuous improvement of the products and services delivered to our customers through Quality Assurance improvement programmes.”
ISA’s Environmental Consultant, Ian Mould, was impressed with our work in application process: “Congratulations to Tuffa on completion of their ISO 14001:2015. They embraced the challenge of implementing a raft of new environmental initiatives and that helped to fast-track them to the required standards. Well done Tuffa!”
Tuffa UK’s husband and wife team of Jason and Kerry Shenton (Production and HR/Office Managers respectively) organised and managed our application: “Attaining ISO 14001 has been an exhausting process but a great achievement for Tuffa UK. Our entire team really bought into the process which was the key to our success. I would like to thank all our hard working staff for their commitment to new initiatives and procedures, particularly when they are so busy contributing to another record breaking year for Tuffa,” Kerry said.
This latest achievement follows on from our BS EN ISO9001:2015 Quality Management Systems accreditation. Tuffa UK Director, Jackie Shenton is understandably delighted with the company’s progress. “To achieve two Quality accreditations in two years at the same time as recording our best ever sales and production figures is a testament to the dedication and sheer hard work of the amazing team at Tuffa. I am grateful for your efforts and very proud of you all.”
